"I verily believe, peasant, thou liest; for the Laird of Balquhan avers that he saw thee on the walls in armour."
"True, for I armed me in my own defence."
"But thou didst thrice try to shoot me with an arquebuse, as Lintstock here is ready to swear."
"Lintstock hath but one eye."
"'Tis gude as a dozen, d—n ye," growled the old soldier.
"How the devil is it this fellow wears a sword like a French barber?" said Leslie.
"Ay, how is this, thou, who art not a gentleman?"
"I am travelling, and wear it for mine own security."
"A cudgel would better become such a clown as thee; but take it away, Lintstock, and keep it for thy pains. Now, fellow, my mind misgiveth me sorely that thou art playing us a false trick; but as for thy attempts upon my own life, I say let them pass; being done under armour, and in close fray, it would ill become Roland Vipont to bear malice for such trifles—for trifles they are, to a man who feels himself as I do—with the blade of his sword. Though, as thou knowest, man, I might hang thee from one of those beams, for resisting the king's troops, who are empowered" (he added, with a covert smile at Leslie), "to search every stronghold in Douglasdale for the traitor, Ashkirk; I forgive thee, instead; and, as lord and master of this barmkyn, for one night at least, by the laws of conquest, and appropriation, I say thou art welcome to a cup of wine, a slice from yon savoury roast, and a seat by the fire till dawn, when may God speed thee to thy native Galloway, and keep us from again meeting under harness. I never bore malice to living man, for blow struck, or bullet shot, after the fray was over, and so bear none to thee. Now, fellow, what is thy name?"
"John—John Dargavel," replied Birrel, cautiously.